OP, you mentioned that you were above the 50% mark for test scores. I’d suggest the 75th percentile as the score to use to see if you’re in the ballpark. If you mean ‘above the middle-50’ then you are on the right track. For an easy to use listing in order of 75% mark, see http://www.stateuniversity.com/rank/act_75pctl_rank.html
it’s my opinion that the “need-aware”-ness will matter quite a bit depending on the school. you can look at the stats of the schools you are considering to see what percentage of their students receive FA and what percentage receive pell grants. i think it’s quite telling of who the school admits or is even seeking in the admissions process.
also, i may be a cynic, but it’s my opinion that schools less interested in socioeconomic diversity have ways of drilling down to determine that even if they’re need blind.
All of that being said, Carleton actually has a respectable 56% of its undergrads receiving FA. So I don’t think Carleton can be accused of targeting higher income students as much as some schools (though its % with Pell is pretty low). As an example, Colorado College only gives aid to 36% of UGs).
For a few data points, here are % of UGs on aid and with Pell for some of the schools mentioned above.
Carleton: 56% on FA, 13% with Pell
Amherst: 62% on FA, 24% with Pell
Davidson: 48% on FA, 13% with Pell
Haverford: 50% on FA, 16% with Pell
Wellesley: 56% on FA, 18% with Pell
Colorado Coll: 36% on FA, 10% with Pell